Pig sector: feed conversion ratio for fattening herd (July 2014)

Indicator 4: Pig sector - feed conversion ratio
Rationale: more efficient use of feed has the potential to increase productivity and reduce
greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity. The feed conversion ratio is a measure of the amount of
feed required to increase pig live weight by 1 kilogramme. It is used here as a proxy measure
for intensity of on-farm GHG emissions.
Indicator: feed conversion ratio of the fattening herd (GB).
Desired outcome: improved GHG intensity through feed efficiency will be reflected by a
reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) while carcase weights are improved or maintained.
Current status
Long term: (last 10 years)

Short term: (2 years)
≈
Feed conversion ratios for pig fattening herd, GB
90
80
2.9
70
2.8
60
2.7
50
2.6
40
30
2.5
20
2.4
10
2.3
Clean pig average carcase wieight (kg per haed)
Average f eed required to increase pig live weight by 1kg
3.0
Feed
conversion
ratio
(fattening
herd)
Clean pig
average
carcase
weight
0
1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Sources: f eed conversion AHDB, carcase weight Slaughterhouse surveys, Def ra, The Scottish
Government, DARD (NI)
Following improvements during the early 1990s, the FCR for the pig fattening herd increased
(i.e. more feed required per unit increase in pig weight), albeit with some fluctuations,
particularly in recent years. This suggests that the increase in carcase weights seen over the
same period have been achieved through more feed per kilogramme of meat produced,
implying a reduction in feed efficiency and increased emissions intensity. Several factors
could explain this including achieving and maintaining heavier weights, changes in production
systems and disease. It is also not possible within this measure to reflect changes in the type
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Indicator 4: Pig sector - feed conversion ratio
of feed used, which may have a bearing on the emissions intensity of production.
Since 2010 there has been an improvement in the FCR, although with the fluctuations; it is too
early to tell if this is a change to the longer term trend.
Data sources
The feed conversion ratios are taken from publicly available datasets on the BPEX1 website
(http://www.bpex.org/prices-facts-figures/). These data are collected by Agrosoft Ltd and are
not official government statistics. Average carcase weights are sourced from the Defra
monthly Slaughterhouse Survey.
Indicator methodology
The indicator uses feed conversion ratio (FCR) data based on the December year end FCR
for each year. The pig fattening herd are finishing pigs weighing from 35kg to slaughter at
around 110kg liveweight. The average clean pig carcase weight is an indicative figure based
on UK level averages.
This indicator and others in the framework that focus on livestock give an insight into the
efficiency of production where this can impact on GHG emissions and are intended to be
viewed within the context of animal welfare regulations and legislation. In order to examine
the wider potential implications of GHG mitigation measures Defra commissioned a research
project in 2012 (project AC02262) which considers the impacts of efficiency measures on a
range of areas including animal health and welfare.
Statistical background
Feed conversion ratio data
The feed conversion ratio data for the pig fattening herd are collected by Agrosoft Ltd from
customers submitting regular database backup files (most customers submit either weekly or
monthly). Agrosoft software calculates the FCR from the weight gain / feed consumed input
into the system. The submitted data currently cover approximately 200,000 finishing pigs
although for years prior to 2013 this figure was around 470,000 finishing pigs. Monthly data
are submitted within the six weeks of each month end. For example, the month end for May
2013 would be delivered July 2013. Agrosoft Ltd verifies all data before delivery/publication.
1
BPEX is a division of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board representing pig levy
payers in England.
2
Quantifying, monitoring and minimising wider impacts of GHG mitigation measures – AC0226
http://randd.defra.gov.uk/Default.aspx?Menu=Menu&Module=More&Location=None&ProjectID=1778
0&FromSearch=Y&Publisher=1&SearchText=AC0226&SortString=ProjectCode&SortOrder=Asc&Pagi
ng=10#Description
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Indicator 4: Pig sector - feed conversion ratio
Statistical background (continued)
The Slaughterhouse Survey
Defra’s monthly survey of registered England and Wales slaughterhouses is a statutory survey
of 106 respondents that collects information on livestock slaughter numbers and weight of
meat produced.
The data are supplemented by administrative data for smaller slaughterhouses. All major
slaughterhouses participate in the Slaughterhouse Survey and the response rate is typically
100%. Similar surveys are run by RERAD in Scotland and by DARD in Northern Ireland.
Further methodological details can be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cattle-sheep-and-pig-slaughter
The Slaughterhouse Survey results are designated National Statistics. These are official
statistics which have been assessed and comply with the National Statistics code of practice.
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